The prospect of train travel between Bangkok and Beijing is becoming more tangible as Thailand advances its rail network expansion.

According to the State Railway of Thailand, a trial service between Bangkok and Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is scheduled for July 13-14. Once operational, this new link will enhance transportation between Thailand, Laos, and China, as stated by railway official Ekarat Sriarayanphong.

The inauguration of the Thailand-Laos connection will enable train travel from Bangkok to Beijing, with stops in Vientiane and Kunming, a city in southern China. From Kunming, travelers can board a semi-high-speed train to Beijing.

Covering approximately 3,218 kilometers, the journey will take nearly a full day due to the region’s mountainous terrain. In contrast, a direct flight takes just under five hours.

Currently, a high-speed train between China and Laos facilitates the transport of Thai goods to Kunming, significantly reducing delivery times from two days by truck to 15 hours, as reported by Nikkei.

Thailand aims to strengthen its connectivity with China, its largest trading partner, to stimulate economic growth, which has been lagging behind other regional economies.

From January to November 2023, Thailand’s exports to China reached nearly US$32 billion (S$43 billion), with key exports including fruit and rubber products. Imports from China during the same period were valued at US$65.3 billion, dominated by electric equipment and machinery.

In addition to trade, the two countries are enhancing tourism ties. Chinese visitors can stay in Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days, while Thai tourists can visit China visa-free for 30 days.

The tourism sector is expected to receive a further boost from a separate, albeit delayed, project to establish a high-speed rail system linking Thailand to China through Laos by 2028.

Source: The Straits Times

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